Racial and Religious tolerance forum

By Dominic Ofner 

Racism and religious intolerance should have no place in Australian politics. Unfortunately, during the past four federal elections, our conservative opponents have used religion and race as a political tool. They have deliberately played on the fears of some elements in our society to score cheap political points.

Let’s never forget that:

• In 2001, John Howard proclaimed that he would “decide who comes to this country” and falsely accused asylum seekers of throwing their children overboard;
• In 2004, the Tories produced a racist flyer targeting the then-Labor candidate for Greenway, Ed Husic’s Islamic background;
• In 2007 they were caught distributing a fake racist flyer in the marginal Western Sydney seat of Lindsay;
• And in 2010, they again demonised refugees through their mantra of “Stop the Boats.”

These dog-whistle tactics degrade Australian politics and detract from the quality of our policy debates.

Against this backdrop, Young Labor Community Speak held a forum with Ed Husic MP – who is now the Member for Chifley – and Dr Paul O’Shea from the NSW Council of Christians and Jews. Ed and Paul shared their personal experiences with us and challenged Young Labor to stand up to intolerance to ensure that race is never again be used as a successful political tool. We also watched an excerpt from the film Marking Time which is set in a country town in 2001 and follows the experiences of an Afghan refugee. The film highlights the impact of the Tampa Crisis and the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Islamic community. The film also reveals the way in which Australian politics was dominated by the issue of race.

It might seem popular to play the race card. It might seem popular to be tough on refugees. That’s why our opponents have been doing it for the past decade.

Whilst it might seem easy and popular, it’s not the right thing to do.

As members of the Australian Labor Party, we have a special responsibility to look at life from the standpoint of the marginalised in our society, such as migrant communities. Members of these communities are looking to our Party for hope and it is our job to implement the policies that will provide this hope. They are also looking to the Labor Party to destroy dog-whistle politics once-and-for-all.

I have no doubt that this is a challenge our Party will meet. And I have no doubt that Young Labor will be at the forefront of our Party’s response to this challenge.

All members are encouraged, especially rural and regional members or those who were unable to attend the forum, to have a read and to begin to think about how Young Labor can contribute towards improving Racial and Religious Tolerance in politics. If you have any ideas, thoughts or would like to submit a policy motion for discussion at a future Young Labor event based on this publication please email: nswyounglabor[at]alp.com.au